Self-test: Is the "Gardener with a Federal Certificate in Gardening and Landscaping (BP)" course the right one for me?
Test here whether the job profile "Gardener with a federal certificate in horticulture and landscaping" (formerly head gardener BP) suits you and whether an extra-occupational preparatory course is the right path for you.
What is the day-to-day work of a gardener with a federal certificate in gardening and landscaping like?
A gardener with a federal certificate in gardening and landscaping organizes and manages the work involved in creating, altering and maintaining gardens, parks, the surroundings of residential and commercial buildings or hedges, borders and trees. They work in nurseries, gardening offices and companies, botanical gardens or cemeteries.
They instruct and lead the team on the work site, plan and monitor the work, correct and optimize the work steps. If employees, customers or other specialists have questions, they are the contact person who provides information, solves problems and passes on information. They prepare work reports and keep a record of the progress of work in order to account for the work carried out. Depending on the position and area of responsibility, gardeners with a federal gardening and landscaping certificate advise new customers, prepare cost estimates and write quotations. They supervise apprentices in the company and help to plan and organize their training.
The following areas of work are typical for gardeners and landscapers:
- Planning, calculation, organization, monitoring and control of the work
- Creating the reports
- Responsibility for the quality of work and compliance with regulations when installing, modifying and maintaining, cleaning and caring for facilities
- Planning and calculation of orders
- Determine the need for employees, machines and materials
- Purchasing materials and plants
- Create deployment plans for personnel
- Advice and support for customers
- Create cost estimates and quotations
- Acquisition of new orders
- Create invoices
- Personnel and administrative management tasks, instruction of employees, training of apprentices
- Instructing and accompanying external companies
Question 1:
Do the activities meet your expectations? Can you imagine working as a gardener in horticulture and landscaping?
If you like the actual job of gardener and landscaper, you can assume that you are on the right track. The next step is to decide which type of training is right for you in order to acquire the relevant skills.
Even if you don't like all the tasks involved in gardening and landscaping, it could still be the right job for you. Because in almost every job there are also less interesting tasks to be done. However, the majority of tasks as a gardener with a federal certificate in gardening and landscaping should interest you.
Take a look at descriptions of similar job profiles - perhaps a different degree would suit you better:
- Tree care specialist (BP)
- Florist (BP)
- Foreman (BP)
- Gardener specializing in production (BP)
- Janitor (BP)
- Maintenance specialist (BP)
- Nature and environment specialist (BP)
- HF construction management technician specializing in gardening and landscaping
- Gamekeeper
- Higher technical college HF in construction management with specialization in gardening and landscaping
- With a vocational baccalaureate:Bachelor's degree FH in landscape architecture
If you don't like the activities, it might be interesting to see which parts of the tasks you don't like so much. Is it the entrepreneurial part, the acquisition of orders and the administrative tasks? Or is it the management and supervision of employees as a gardener and landscaper?
Depending on your answer, you could look in job advertisements to see if there are jobs with a different distribution of tasks, or you could be inspired by other similar jobs. If you are generally unsure about your desired job, we can help you with ourAdvisorhelp you find your own calling.
Target group and skills: Who is the professional examination for gardeners with a federal certificate in gardening and landscaping suitable for? What qualities and skills are required?
The gardener gardening and landscaping training is aimed at the following people:
- Gardener EFZ and gardener EFZ who would like to continue their professional training
- Completed basic training in the green sector and gained initial professional experience in gardening and landscaping
- skilled craftsmen in the executive area of a horticultural company who would like to take on a management role
- with recognized industry title of customer gardener (modules green space maintenance and soil care, plant protection, care + nutrition of plants) or foreman (horticultural technology)
The following skills and characteristics are required for a successful job as a gardening and landscaping gardener:
- Interest in nature, interest in plants, powers of observation
- Design flair and creativity
- Quality and customer awareness
- Communicativeness
- Independent and flexible
- Imagination
- Efficient way of working
- Organizational skills and reliability
- Resilience and weather resistance
- Practical aptitude and manual dexterity
- Leadership qualities
- Technical understanding, interest in motorized devices and machines
- Sales talent
Question 2:
Do you belong to one of the target groups for gardening and landscaping training?
If you belong to the target group and you have the necessary skills and characteristics, then the gardener training course in gardening and landscaping is still an option for you. The course still seems to fit your expectations.
- If you do not belong to any of the above-mentioned groups, you cannot apply directly for the Federal Certificate of Competence in Gardening and Landscaping. Entry opportunities in the fieldGarden designare numerous and may offer alternative educational opportunities that may interest you even more or suit you better.
- If you do not have the necessary skills and qualities for the job description of gardener and landscaper, you will probably not be good and satisfied in such a position. Look for alternative training courses in the green sector.
- If you are still unsure about your professional development, contact experienced people such as career advisors for targeted advice or coaching:
Requirements for admission to the professional examination for garden and landscape gardeners:
The following prerequisites are required for admission to the final examination (federal professional examination) as a gardening and landscaping gardener:
- Apprenticeship qualification with a federal certificate of competence as a gardener and landscaper or equivalent qualification
- and at least 2 years of professional experience in gardening and landscaping
or
- Apprenticeship qualification with a federal certificate of proficiency in another profession
- and at least 5 years of professional experience in gardening and landscaping
and
- Proof of the required module qualifications or certificates of equivalence
If demand is high, some schools select course participants according to criteria such as professional experience, previously completed further training and grades in the qualification procedure.
You will find out whether you meet the requirements for the professional examination in gardening and landscaping at least three months before the start of the examination with a written notification - in the event of rejection including reasons and instructions on how to appeal.
Question 3:
Do you meet the requirements for training as a gardener in horticulture and landscaping? And do you have the confidence to complete the additional courses required?
If you meet the requirements, you can start training as a gardener in horticulture and landscaping at the earliest possible date. You will then be admitted to the professional examination.
If you are not sure whether your professional experience is sufficient, clarify your chances directly with the sponsor of the professional examination, theJardin Suisse Swiss Gardeners' Association.
If you have too little or no professional experience for the professional examination in gardening and landscaping, you have the following options:
- Search with the help of professional job boardsas followsfor suitable jobs.
- If you know someone who is employed in landscaping, ask them for help in finding a job.
If you are not sure whether you are eligible for admission to the professional examination after training as a gardener in horticulture and landscaping with your qualifications through an equivalence test, please contact theExamination secretariator theSERIfor foreign degrees.
If you have not completed your basic vocational training, you can make up for it. How can you do this in ourAdvisor"The Swiss education system at a glance".
Or take a look at the industry titles"Customer gardener"and"Foreman"on the way to the professional examination.Intermediate stepcan be.
If you are unsure whether your qualifications and professional experience are sufficient, clarify your chances directly with the sponsor of the professional examination, theJardin Suisse Swiss Gardeners' Association.
If you have too little or no professional experience for the professional examination in gardening and landscaping, you have the following options:
- Search with the help of professional job boardsas followsfor suitable jobs.
- If you know someone who is employed in landscaping, ask them for help in finding a job.
If you are not sure whether you are eligible for admission to the professional examination after training as a gardener in horticulture and landscaping with your qualifications through an equivalence test, please contact theExamination secretariator theSERIfor foreign degrees.
If you have not completed your basic vocational training, you can make up for it. How can you do this in ourAdvisor"The Swiss education system at a glance".
Or take a look at the industry titles"Customer gardener"and"Foreman"on the way to the professional examination.Intermediate stepcan be.
Subject matter and content of the gardener training course in gardening and landscaping:
The subject matter of the preparatory courses for the professional examination for the gardening and landscaping specialist certificate is based on the specifications of the sponsor of the federal examination, theJardin Suisse Swiss Gardeners' Association.
The learning content of the gardener training course in gardening and landscaping is divided into the following topics:
- Compulsory modules for all:
- Vocational trainer in the training company
- Basics of health protection and occupational safety
- Communication and customer relations
- Employee management and team leadership
- Soil care, plant protection, plant care and nutrition
- Compulsory modules for the gardening and landscaping specialization:
- Plant knowledge and use
- Horticultural technology
- Green space maintenance
- Work organization in gardening and landscaping
- Two optional modules of your choice:
- Water systems
- Kitchen garden systems
- Golf turf
- Sports turf
- Site-appropriate, aesthetic plant design
- Vessel greening
- Building greening
- Cemetery culture
- Revitalization of watercourses and shallow water zones
- Biological engineering structures
- Gardening services
- Maintenance of near-natural habitats in urban areas
- Pruning fruit trees
- Sales Green sector
- Playground construction, safety, care / maintenance
- Care of small-crowned trees and solitary topiaries
- Swimming pond and biopool
- Tree inspection
- Permaculture, biodynamic and regenerative cultivation
- Dry stone walls and small structures
Question 4:
Are you interested in the contents of the gardener training course in gardening and landscaping and would you like to acquire knowledge in these subject areas?
Perfect, the content suits you perfectly. With the skills you have learned, you can score points on the job market and increase your salary prospects. You can now find out more about the structure and concept of the gardening and landscaping training course for gardeners from the training institutes.
If you are only partially interested in the content of the gardener training course in gardening and landscaping, then this course is probably not the right one for you. Then take a look at other training and further education opportunities in theGarden design areathat suit you better due to the content taught.
Obviously, the typical course content for a gardener with a federal certificate in gardening and landscaping is not for you. Take a look at other further training courses instead. OnEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a wide range of options.
Costs and financing of further training for garden and landscape gardeners:
The costs vary depending on the provider and duration of the gardening and landscaping apprenticeship. On average, these amounts are to be expected for the training costs:
- Course fees:between CHF 12'500.- and CHF 18'700.-
After taking the exam, you will receive around 50% of this back from the federal government on application (regardless of the result)*. - Examination fees:CHF 1,600 (as at: 2023)
The examination fee is set by the body responsible for the professional examination. It is paid by the candidate after confirmation of admission to the gardening and landscaping examination. - Extra costs:At some schools, the costs for enrolment fees, teaching materials, training documents, books, intensive exam training, simulation exams, school diplomas and interim qualifications, for example, are not included in the course fees. Please contact the provider of your choice directly to find out what additional costs you can expect for the gardener training course in gardening and landscaping.
*Since 1.1.2018, preparatory courses for federal professional examinations such as gardening and landscaping training for gardeners have been financially supported by the federal government. Graduates of these courses can therefore be reimbursed up to 50% (max. CHF 9,500) of the course costs paid after taking the federal examination. In cases of hardship, the federal contributions are also pre-financed in exceptional cases.
Question 5:
Are you able to pre-finance between CHF 12,500 and CHF 18,700 for the gardening and landscaping course and CHF 1,600 for the exam, depending on the course and provider?
Great! Here's another tip: If you would be able to pay the entire amount for the gardening and landscaping training course in advance, many schools will grant you a discount.
- Information on financial support options from the employer, federal government, canton, foundations or through loans from the Education Promotion FoundationEducaSwissyou will receive in ourAdvisor"How to finance your further training properly".
- Information on financial support for temporary workers through "temptraining", the further training fund of the temporary employment sector, is available athere.
- Information and help on budget planning and budget preparation can be foundhere.
First ask the schools about the actual costs you would have to expect for the gardening and landscaping training course. Then find out from your employer whether they will contribute to the costs of the gardening and landscaping training course and ask your school about the possibility of paying in installments. Perhaps there is someone in your private circle who will support your further education project with a loan. There are also banks and credit institutions that grant educational loans.
- Information on financial support options from the employer, federal government, canton, foundations or through loans from the Education Promotion FoundationEducaSwissyou will receive in ourAdvisor"How to finance your further training properly".
- Information on financial support for temporary workers through "temptraining", the further training fund of the temporary employment sector, is available athere.
- Information and help on budget planning and budget preparation can be foundhere.
First ask the schools about the actual costs you would have to expect for the gardening and landscaping training course. Then find out from your employer whether they will contribute to the costs and ask your school about the possibility of paying in installments. Perhaps there is someone in your private circle who will support your further education project to become a gardener with a federal certificate with a loan. There are also banks and credit institutions that grant educational loans.
- Information on financial support options from the employer, federal government, canton, foundations or through loans from the Education Promotion FoundationEducaSwissyou will receive in ourAdvisor"How to finance your further training properly".
- Information on financial support for temporary workers through "temptraining", the further training fund of the temporary employment sector, is available athere.
- Information and help on budget planning and budget preparation can be foundhere.
Duration of study, number of lessons and learning effort for the gardener training course in gardening and landscaping:
- The gardener training course in gardening and landscaping has a modular structure and lasts 2 to 3 semesters. It comprises around 650 lessons.
- The teaching times vary depending on the provider of the gardening and landscaping training course. Classroom teaching usually takes place on one day during the week (usually Fridays) and on Saturday mornings.
- Many schools now offer a mix of face-to-face and online teaching (online, hybrid teaching, blended learning) as well as self-study.
- Thanks to the extra-occupational concept of the gardening and landscaping further education course for gardeners, you can immediately apply and deepen the learning material in practice. Nevertheless, you should allow sufficient time for lesson preparation and follow-up as well as for self-study. Depending on your previous knowledge, working style and learning speed, we recommend that you allow at least 3 to 5 hours per week.
Note: Some schools offer so-called "taster lessons", which provide an insight into the lessons and the learning atmosphere. A suitable learning environment is important on the way to successful graduation.
Question 6:
Can you cope with the time and effort required for the attendance classes and homework for the gardening and landscaping training course for gardeners?
If you are confident that you can cope with the teaching time and learning effort, you should start a gardening and landscaping apprenticeship as a gardener. The most you can do is consider whether you can achieve even better results with suitable learning and working methods and a learning plan. Efficient learning methods pay off in any case.
If you don't have that much time to devote to gardening and landscaping training, check with the providers whether you can complete the training over more than five years. Or can you find other ways to make room for yourself? Perhaps you can hand over certain tasks during the training period?
Degree, diploma and title:
The professional examination "Gardener with a federal certificate in gardening and landscaping" takes place annually, provided that at least 10 candidates meet the admission requirements, otherwise every two years. It can be held in German, French or Italian.
Candidates for the professional examination in gardening and landscaping will be notified at least 4 weeks before the start of the examination. The invitation includes the examination program (with details of the place and time of the examination as well as permitted aids) and the list of experts.
The professional examination for gardeners in horticulture and landscaping comprises the following two parts:
- Project work
for a gardening and landscaping job or project carried out by the company or by a guest company- Written documentation (prior: written and practical)
- covers a sub-area of the field of work
- the execution of an order for the sale, construction, alteration or maintenance of gardens or parts thereof
- Documenting the order and its execution
- Recording the basics for operational evaluation
- Draw conclusions for optimization
- Presentation and technical discussions on the project work (oral, 30 min.)
- Processing tasks across the entire field of gardening and landscaping using a case study
- Viewing and evaluating the specifications, organizing and preparing the execution, estimating the personnel and time requirements and creating aids for execution
- process and solve based on practice-oriented principles and industry-standard tools
- Record solutions in writing
Diploma and title "Gardener Gardening and Landscaping"
Graduates of the professional examination receive a federal certificate and are entitled to use the federally recognized and protected title "Gardener with a federal certificate, specializing in gardening and landscaping" or "Gardener with a federal certificate, specializing in gardening and landscaping".
- In French: "Horticulteur avec brevet fédéral, orientation paysagisme", "Horticultrice avec brevet fédéral, orientation paysagisme"
- In Italian: "Giardiniere con attestato professionale federale, indirizzo paesaggismo", "Giardiniera con attestato professionale federale, indirizzo paesaggismo"
- In English: "Gardener, Federal Diploma of Higher Education, Specialization: Landscaping" (Attention: This is only a recommendation/translation and not a protected title)
Question 7:
Do you have the confidence to pass the professional examination to become a gardener with a federal certificate specializing in gardening and landscaping?
Good, you are confident that you will successfully complete the professional examination following your training as a gardener in horticulture and landscaping. Think about where you can best ensure the transfer of practical experience. Which learning and working methods are most efficient for you?
If you are unsure about a successful conclusion, we recommend the following:
- oneInformation eventof the favored educational institute
- onepersonal consultation appointmentwith the school of your choice for further training in gardening and landscaping
- at theSchool managementAsk about support options
- oneInformationfrom the sponsor of the professional examinationJardin Suisse Swiss Gardeners' Associationto dispel your concerns
- itselfSupportfromLearning therapistorCoachthroughautogenicormental trainingGet
You are very unsure whether you will be able to graduate as a gardener in horticulture and landscaping. You could look at which subjects may have caused you problems in the past. If these are subjects that will be repeated in this final examination, you should find out about possible preparatory courses, fill in any gaps in your knowledge with the help of private tutors or discuss with the school whether there is the possibility of internal tests or preparatory courses.
If you have intense exam anxiety, you could look for a different type of course that works more with learning achievements, mid-term exams or semester work. External help from learning therapists, kinesiologists, autogenic training providers or mental training providers can also be considered:
No, this course to become a gardener with a federal certificate in gardening and landscaping does not suit you. What a pity? Perhaps not, because there are so many other options for further training. One or the other will certainly suit you much better.
Check which other further training courses are suitable for you. OnEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a large selection of offers.
Gardener with a federal certificate specializing in horticulture and landscaping is probably not the right further training goal for you.
Are you surprised or disappointed? Perhaps take the test again and see where your ideas or possibilities deviate from the ideal job. Perhaps this will point you in the direction of more suitable further training.
Then see which other further training courses interest you. ToEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a large selection of offers.
That's a half-hearted result: working as a gardener in horticulture and landscaping doesn't seem ideal for you. Or is it perhaps the form of training that doesn't appeal to you or isn't a good organizational fit?
See which other further training courses are suitable for you. OnEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a large selection of offers.
Training as a gardener in horticulture and landscaping is not ideal for you - or is it?
If you are unsure, it is best to attend the information events organized by the providers of gardening and landscaping courses with a federal certificate. There you will learn a lot more about further training and can discuss your personal options and questions directly with the specialist representatives present.
Directly to the schools:
"Gardener with a federal certificate of competence"
Training as a gardener in horticulture and landscaping seems to suit you.
As a next step, we recommend that you attend an information event at suitable schools and obtain details of the exact costs and dates.
Directly to the schools:
"Gardener with a federal certificate of competence"
The gardening and landscaping apprenticeship gardener seems to be made for you!
The best thing to do now is to attend information events at the schools you are interested in and find out everything you need to know about the specific content, costs and dates.
Directly to the schools:
"Gardener with a federal certificate of competence"
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